Adjustable Ornamental Hair Restraining apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

An adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus and method adjustably restrains portions of the hair while displaying an interchangeable ornamental member. The apparatus and method utilizes a toggle fastener, having a toggle closure and a bar to releasably couple the ends of the elastic strap around at least a portion of hair. The toggle fastener provides a simple mechanism that can be easily secured around the hair to enable quick styling and adjustments of the hair while also offering customizable looks. Additionally, style disruption, discomfort, hair loss, and damage are minimized. An interchangeable ornamental member displays from the apparatus to enhance the appearance of the head. The bar passes through an opening in the toggle closure and rotates to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for forming a locked position. A base joins with the bar or toggle closure. The ornamental member attaches to the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus and method. More so, an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus and method adjustably restrains portions of the hair with an elastic strap and a toggle fastening mechanism, while displaying an interchangeable ornamental member attached to the strap and/or closure for enhancing appearance of the hair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that often, individuals, especially women, enjoy wearing their hair long or pulled back. In addition, many of these people like to gather their hair in various ways, and for this purpose use an accessory called a hair elastic. Hair restraints are used to configure one's hair and/or to hold it in a particular style, such as a ponytail or “updo”.

Typically, restraint of the hair is typically accomplished by the use of a closed elastic band. Sometimes, the restraint an ornamental elastic band (commonly referred to as a hairband/hair tie). Women (or men with long hair) would typically use the closed elastic band to pull their hair into the form of a “pony tail” and to secure it by twisting the closed elastic band around the base of the pony tail. While closed elastic bands come in various sizes, so a person is able to work their hair into different styles, people have, until now, not only been limited by a closed elastic band, but by a lack of versatility in their hair restraints.

Also, the closed elastic bands can cause discomfort to fasten and wrap together to secure the hair in the desired configuration. Working to wrap the closed elastic band on the hair is cumbersome, as continual twisting is necessary until the desired tightness is achieved, which can be damaging to the hair and uncomfortable on the fingers and scalp. Moreover, the tightness of the closed elastic band makes it difficult to remove without further pain to the fingers and loss of strands of hair. In addition to discomfort and loss of hair, the closed hair band does not allow for hairstyles to be completed and/or restyled without disturbing previous styling, which is why stylists in the professional arena use string and hair bands with bobby pins to secure hair.

It is known that a fashion accessory is an item which is used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer's outfit, body part, or hair. Accessories are often used to personalize, enhance, and complete an outfit and are chosen to specifically complement the wearer's overall look. Ornamental accessories such as bracelets, rings, anklets, necklaces etc., are generally designed to specifically adorn particular areas of the body. For example, it is generally difficult to place an anklet on another region of the body where the dimensions of the anklet cannot accommodate non-ankle-like proportions.

Even though the above cited methods for adjustable and ornamental hair restraints address some of the needs of the market, an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus and method that takes advantage of a toggle fastener to enable easy adjustments and manipulations, while displaying an interchangeable ornamental member is still desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus and method that restrains portions or all of the hair with an open elastic strap and a toggle fastening mechanism, while displaying an interchangeable ornamental member attached to the strap or toggle fastener for enhancing appearance of the hair. The apparatus and method utilizes a toggle fastener to releasably couple ends of an elastic, elongated strap around at least a portion of hair. The toggle fastener provides a simple mechanism that can be easily manipulated, so as to enable adjustment of the hair restraint.

The toggle fastener revolutionizes the once limited closed elastic band by becoming an open ended elastic hair band. The open ended elastic hair band enables quick adjustments to the hair without disturbing previously styled hair, causing scalp or finger pain, or loss of hair. A decorative and interchangeable ornamental member displays from the apparatus to enhance the appearance of the head and hair. The ornamental member may also be interchanged quickly through a simple fastening mechanism. In this manner, the amount of hair being restrained, and the type of ornamental member being displayed can be manipulated quickly.

In some embodiments, the decorative hair restraining apparatus may include an elongated strap that wraps around the hair in myriad possible variations to restrain the hair. The elongated strap may include an elastic band. The elongated strap may wrap around a rear portion of the hair to form a ponytail, or the elongated strap may encircle the entire head to restrain a circumferential portion of the hair, or the strap may encircle the nape of the neck. The strap can include multiple different sizes, such as a small strap for ponytail configurations, and a larger strap to be worn around the head to keep the hair in place. The strap includes a pair of free ends that join for fastening the strap into the desired restraining position. The ends of the strap are customized with different types of toggle fasteners for fastening a first end and a second end of the strap together. The toggle fastener is made without limitation, metal, plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene, a rigid polymer, glass, crystal, or a fully elasticized material.

In one embodiment, the toggle fastener may include a bar on the first end of the strap, and a toggle closure on the second end of the strap. The toggle closure comprises an opening configured to receive the bar. The toggle fastener can be coordinated and interchanged with various types of toggle clasp closures to customize the product to the user's taste with various attachments. A toggle closure extension protrudes from the toggle closure to enable attachment with the strap. For example, a portion of the second end folds down over the toggle closure extension, and closes down to hold the toggle closure into place at the second end.

The bar engages the toggle closure to fasten and remove the ends together. The bar comprises a length that is greater than the diameter of the opening in the toggle closure. A bar extension protrudes from the bar to enable attachment with the strap. For example, a portion of the first end folds down over the bar extension, and closes down to restrain the bar into place at the first end. The bar is configured to move between an open position and a locked position relative to the toggle closure. The locked position fastens the strap around the hair for a secure restraint.

In operation, fastening or removing the toggle closure and the bar involves an easy, yet secure manipulation. The opening in the toggle closure enables passage of the bar from an open position and restricts passage of the bar from a locked position. In one embodiment, the bar is oriented perpendicularly to the opening in the toggle closure. The bar passes through the opening in a first direction. Once the bar has passed completely through the opening, the bar may be rotated with a perpendicular manipulation relative to the opening. In this orientation, the bar can pass completely through the opening to join with the toggle closure. The bar rotates to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for forming a locked position. The bar may then be pulled against the periphery of the opening, such that the bar engages any section of the opening and the opening serves as a barrier to disengagement. This locked position is possible because the length of the bar is greater than the diameter of the opening. The bar remains in the locked position and cannot disengage from the clasp closure until a rotational manipulation of the bar, perpendicular to the opening enables the bar to pass through the opening.

The toggle closure or the bar may be configured to detachably receive an ornamental member. The ornamental member may attach while the toggle closure and bar are joined or separated. The toggle closure or bar may include a base configured to attach to the ornamental member. The base may position anywhere on the toggle bar. The base may comprise various ornamental fasteners, including, without limitation, a magnet, a frictional snap, a threaded cavity, and an adhesive. The ornamental member fastens to the base through these ornamental fasteners. The ornamental member is detachable and interchangeable, such that the decorative hair restraining apparatus is customizable. The ornamental member may include, without limitation, stones, beads, and crystals. In alternative embodiments, without limitation the ornamental member may attach to a clamp, a ring, a hair claw, a barrette, a metal or plastic bobby pin, a head band attachment, and a bobbi pin.

One aspect of the apparatus for restraining at least a portion of hair and displaying an ornamental member comprises:

-   -   An elastic strap comprising a first end and a second end, the         strap configured to wrap around at least a portion of hair for         restraining the hair;     -   a toggle closure disposed to join with the first end, the toggle         closure comprising an opening, the opening comprising a         diameter,     -   a bar disposed to join with the second end, the bar comprising a         length,     -   the bar configured to pass through the opening and rotate to         extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for         forming a locked position, the locked position configured to         fasten the first end to the second end for wrapping the strap         around at least a portion of the hair,     -   wherein the length of the bar is greater than the diameter of         the opening, such that the bar is restricted from passing         through the opening in the locked position;     -   a base disposed to join with the toggle closure and/or the bar;         and     -   an ornamental member disposed to join with the base.

In another aspect, the strap comprises an elastic composition.

In another aspect, the strap is configured to extend and retract in length.

In another aspect, the toggle closure comprises a toggle closure extension configured to join with the first end.

In another aspect, the bar comprises a bar extension configured to join with the second end.

In another aspect, the toggle closure and the bar are configured to be operable to join and separate.

In another aspect, the base comprises a magnet.

In another aspect, the ornamental member comprises a metal core for detachably joining the magnetic base.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a clamp, the clamp disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap or worn separately in the hair, and detachably join with the ornamental member.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a hair claw, the hair claw disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap or worn separately in the hair, and detachably join with the ornamental member.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a bobbi pin, the bobbi pin disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap or worn separately in the hair and detachably join with the ornamental member.

In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a circular ring, the ring disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap and detachably join with the ornamental member.

One objective of the present invention is to facilitate hair restraint by providing a toggle type fastening mechanism at the ends of an elastic strap.

Another objective is to enable adjustability of a hair restraint.

Another objective is to provide a U-bar on a first end of an elastic strap and an opening on a second end of the strap for customizing the size and toggle closure. However, with more circular or smaller elastic straps, the U-bar may not be required.

Another objective is to provide a base that accepts interchangable ornaments.

Another objective is to provide a variety of ornaments for attaching to the base.

Another objective is to provide, not limited to, clamps, bobbi pins, hair claws, and rings that receive the ornament along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The aforementioned, each having a base.

Another objective is to enable the bobbi pins, hair claws, and rings to attach to an ornament through a base.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus, where FIG. 1A illustrates the apparatus in a normal position, and FIG. 1B illustrates the apparatus extended for wrapping around the hair, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary first end and second end of a strap joining from an exemplary open position to an exemplary locked position, where FIG. 2A illustrates the first end and second end in an the open position, and FIG. 2B illustrates the first end and second end in the closed position with an exemplary bar engaged with an exemplary opening in a closure toggle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate detailed perspective views of the apparatus wrapping around at least a portion of the hair to form a pony tail, where FIG. 3A illustrates the open position, FIG. 3B illustrates the first end and second end moving towards each other, and FIG. 3C illustrates the apparatus in the locked position around the pony tail, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate detailed perspective views of the apparatus wrapping around the head to restrain the hair, where FIG. 4A illustrates the open position, and FIG. 4B illustrates the apparatus in the locked position around the head, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate detailed perspective views of the first end of the strap joined with the toggle closure, and the second end of the strap joined with the bar, where FIG. 5A illustrates the toggle closure and the bar detached from their respective ends, FIG. 5B illustrates the toggle closure and the bar moving along a longitudinal axis of the strap, and FIG. 5C illustrates the first end and the second end folding over the toggle closure and the bar to fasten to the respective end, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate perspective views of an exemplary ornamental member joining with an exemplary base, where FIG. 6A illustrates the bar having a base, FIG. 6B illustrates the ornamental member moving towards the bar, and FIG. 6C illustrates the ornamental member fastened with the bar via the base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E illustrate perspective views of an exemplary clamp joining the ornamental member to the strap, where FIG. 7A illustrates the clamp, FIG. 7B illustrates the clamp opened and moving towards a longitudinal axis of the strap, FIG. 7C illustrates the clamp fastened to the strap and the ornamental member moving towards a base on the clamp, FIG. 7D illustrates the ornamental member fastened to the clamp on the strap, and FIG. 7E illustrates the ornamental member attached onto the base of the clamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate perspective views of an exemplary ring joining the ornamental member to the strap, where FIG. 8A illustrates a pair of rings and a pair of ornamental members oriented to pass through the longitudinal axis of the strap, and FIG. 8B illustrates the ornamental member fastened to the ring on the strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate detailed perspective views of various types of fasteners for ornamental members, where FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary bobbi pin with a base for receiving an ornamental member, FIG. 9B illustrates an exemplary barrette with a base for receiving an ornamental member, and FIG. 9C illustrates an exemplary hair claw with a base for receiving an ornamental member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary a method for adjustably restraining hair with an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1A. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112.

In one embodiment of the present invention presented in FIGS. 1A-9C, an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus 100 serves to adjustably restrain portions of the hair and display an interchangeable ornamental member 122. The apparatus 100 may utilize a toggle fastener to releasably couple ends of the restraint around at least a portion of hair. A decorative and interchangeable ornamental member 122 displays from the apparatus 100 to enhance the appearance of the head and the hair. The ornamental member 122 may also be interchanged quickly without disturbing the hairstyle. In this manner, the amount of hair being restrained, and the type of ornamental member 122 displayed can be manipulated quickly.

Referencing FIG. 1A, the decorative hair restraining apparatus 100 may include an elongated strap 102 that wraps around the hair to restrain the hair. The elongated strap may include an elastic band. As shown in FIG. 1B, the strap 102 may extend a significant length, so as to enable myriad manipulations around the hair. The strap 102 may be generally elongated and include an elastic composition for more flexibility while restraining the hair. The strap 102 can be of several varieties: tubular elastic, flat elastic, or thin elastic designed to string bead or other decorative elements. The elastic composition of the strap 102 is designed to hold hair in place while minimizing pull and friction on the hair. Also, enabling removal with minimal hair loss as a result of the open-ended design of the elastic.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the strap 102 includes a first end 104 and a second end 106 that form a pair of free ends 104, 106 that join together for fastening the strap 102 into the desired restraining position around the hair. The ends 104, 106 of the strap 102 are customized with different types of toggle fasteners for fastening together and adjusting the length of the strap 102 through relatively easy manipulations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a toggle fastening mechanism is relatively simple to manipulate without disturbing previously styled hair. A strap 102 fabricated from elastic materials is also easy to manipulate.

In one embodiment, the toggle fastener may include a toggle closure 110 on the first end 104 of the strap 102, and a bar 116 on the second end 106 of the strap 102. The toggle closure 110 comprises an opening 112 configured to receive the bar 116. The opening 112 may have an annular shape with a diameter. However, in other embodiments, the toggle closure 110 may have any number of shapes, including, without limitation, a square, a rectangle, an oval, and a pyramid. Additionally various types of toggle closures 110 may be used to customize the apparatus 100 to a desired taste, and to join with various other components. The bar 116 may include a linear member having a length. The bar 116 engages the toggle closure 110 to fasten and remove the ends together. The bar 116 comprises a length that is greater than the diameter of the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110. The bar 116 is configured to move between an open position 132 and a locked position 134 relative to the toggle closure 110. The locked position 134 fastens the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 together, such that the strap 102 can wrap around the hair for a secure restraint. The open position 132 enables disengagement between the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116.

In operation, as referenced in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110 enables passage of the bar 116 from the open position 132, and restricts passage of the bar 116 from the locked position 134. The bar 116 is oriented perpendicularly to the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110 while in the open position 132. The bar 116 passes through the opening 112 from a first direction. Once the bar 116 passes completely through the opening 112, the bar 116 may be rotated with a perpendicular manipulation relative to the opening 112. The bar 116 rotates to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110. The bar 116 may then be pulled in a second direction against the periphery of the opening 112, such that the bar 116 engages the opening 112, which serves as a barrier to disengagement. This forms the locked position 134. The locked position 134 is possible because the length of the bar 116 is greater than the diameter of the opening 112. The bar 116 remains in the locked position 134 and cannot disengage from the clasp closure until a rotational manipulation of the bar 116, perpendicular to the opening 112 enables the bar 116 to pass through the opening 112, and back into the open position 132. Suitable materials for the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 may include, without limitation, metal, plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene, a rigid polymer, glass, crystal, or a fully elasticized material.

In one embodiment, the strap 102 can include multiple different sizes, such as a small strap 102 for ponytail configurations, and a larger strap 102 to be worn around the head to keep the hair in place. The strap 102 may wrap around a rear portion of the hair to form a ponytail. The open ended and elastic nature of the strap 102 enables size adjustments through stretching and wrapping of the strap 102 while wrapped around the hair. FIG. 3A illustrates the strap 102 in an open position 132. FIG. 3B illustrates the first end 104 and second end 106 of the strap 102 moving towards each other. FIG. 3B illustrates the apparatus 100 in the locked position 134 around the pony tail. Similarly, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate how the elongated strap 102 may encircle the entire head to restrain a circumferential portion of the hair or a nape on the neckline. Similar to the formation of the pony tail, fastening or removing the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 involves an easy manipulation. However, in other embodiments, the strap 102 encircles the nape of the neck.

FIG. 5A references how the strap 102 is made interchangeable by including snap enclosures at each end. In one embodiment, shorter straps may have one button snap on each end, while longer straps can have three button to allow for adjustment in size according to head circumference. However, without limitations in other embodiments, snaps, Velcro, and hook and loop fasteners may be used. A toggle closure extension 114 protrudes from the toggle closure 110 to enable attachment with the strap 102. For example, a portion of the second end 106 folds down over the toggle closure extension 114, and close to hold the toggle closure 110 into place at the second end 106. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the toggle closure extension 114 can slide along a longitudinal axis of the strap 102 to adjust the position of the bar 116 and the length of the strap 102. A bar extension 118 protrudes from the bar 116 to enable attachment with the strap 102. For example, a portion of the first end 104 folds down over the bar extension 118, and closes down to restrain the bar 116 into place at the first end 104. FIG. 5C is illustrative of the bar extension 118 sliding along a longitudinal axis of the strap 102 to adjust the position of the bar 116 and the length of the strap 102.

FIG. 6A illustrates the toggle closure bar 116 configured to detachably receive an ornamental member 122. The ornamental member 122 attaches while the toggle closure 110 and bar 116 are joined in the locked position 134. The toggle closure bar 116 may include a base 120 configured to attach to the ornamental member 122. The base 120 positions on the toggle closure bar 116.

The base 120 may comprise various fastening mechanisms, including, without limitation, a magnet, a frictional snap, a threaded cavity, and an adhesive. The base 120 can have a magnetic core for attracting the metal core of the ornamental member 122. As referenced in FIG. 6B, the ornamental member 122 fastens to the base 120. The ornamental member 122 is detachable and interchangeable, such that the decorative hair restraining apparatus 100 is customizable. FIG. 6C illustrates the ornamental member 122 fully attached to the base 120 on a bar 116. The ornamental member 122 may include, without limitation, stones, beads, crystals, flowers, metals, enamels, glass, plastic, and fabric.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E, the ornamental member 122 may attach to a clamp 124. The clamp 124 pinches down at a desired section of the strap 102 (FIG. 7B). The clamp 124 has a base 120, as referenced in FIG. 7C. With the clamp 124, the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 still fasten together the first and second ends 104, 106 of the strap 102, but the clamp 124 serves to display the ornamental member 122 in addition to, or in place of the base 120 on the toggle bar 116. The clamp 124 may slide along any position on the strap 102, as referenced in FIG. 7D. The ornamental member 122 attaches to the clamp 124 at the base 120 (FIG. 7E).

FIG. 8A illustrates the ornamental member 122 may attach to a ring 130. The ring 130 slides along a longitudinal axis of the strap 102 to a desired section of the strap 102 (FIG. 8B). The ring 130 forms a snug fit with the strap 102, so as to hold into place more effectively. With the ring 130, the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 still fasten together the first and second ends 104,106 of the strap 102, but the ring 130 serves to display the ornamental member 122 in addition to, or in place of the base 120 on toggle bar 116. In one embodiment, referenced in FIG. 8A, multiple rings 130 may be placed onto the strap 102.

FIG. 9A illustrates the ornamental member 122 may attach to a bobbi pin 126. The bobbi pin 126 clamps down onto the strap 102 to a desired section of the strap 102. The bobbi pin 126 clamps down with sufficient force, so as to fasten securely to a desired section of the strap 102 or the hair. With the bobbi pin 126, the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 still fasten together the first and second ends 104, 106 of the strap 102, but the bobbi pin 126 serves to display the ornamental member 122 in addition to, or in place of the toggle bar 116.

FIG. 9B illustrates the ornamental member 122 may attach to a barrette 136. The barrette 136 clamps down onto the strap 102 to a desired section of the strap 102. The barrette 136 clamps down with sufficient force, so as to fasten securely to a desired section of the strap 102 or the hair. With the barrette 136, the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 still fasten together the first and second ends 104, 106 of the strap 102, but the barrette 136 serves to display the ornamental member 122 in addition to, or in place of the toggle bar 116.

FIG. 9C illustrates the ornamental member 122 may attach to a hair claw 128. The hair claw 128 clamps down onto the strap 102 to a desired section of the strap 102. The hair claw 128 clamps down with sufficient force, so as to fasten securely to a desired section of the strap 102 or the hair. With the hair claw 128, the toggle closure 110 and the bar 116 still fasten together the first and second ends 104, 106 of the strap 102, but the hair claw 128 serves to display the ornamental member 122 in addition to, or in place of the toggle bar 116. In one alternative embodiment, the clamp 124, the ring 130, the hair claw 128, the barrette 136, and the bobbi pin 126 can also display a second ornamental member 122 while the toggle bar 116 display a first ornamental member 122.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary a method 200 for adjustably restraining hair with an adjustable ornamental hair restraining apparatus 100. In the present invention, the method 200 may facilitate the adjustable restraint of portions of the hair, while also enabling the display of an interchangeable ornamental member 122. The method 200 may utilize a toggle fastener to releasably couple ends of the restraint around at least a portion of hair. The toggle fastener provides a simple mechanism that can be manipulated easily without discomfort, damage, or disturbing a hairstyle. The method 200 may utilize a decorative and interchangeable ornamental member 122 for enhancing the appearance of the head and the hair.

The method 200 may include an initial Step 202 of extending a strap 102. The decorative hair restraining apparatus 100 may include an elongated strap 102 that wraps around the hair to restrain the hair. The method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of wrapping the strap 102 around at least a portion of hair. The strap 102 may extend a significant length, so as to accommodate different thicknesses of hair. A Step 206 includes moving a first end 104 of the strap 102 towards a second end 106 of the strap 102. The strap 102 includes a first end 104 and a second end 106 that form a pair of free ends 104, 106 that join together for fastening the strap 102 into the desired restraining position around the hair. The ends 104, 106 of the strap 102 are customized with different types of toggle fasteners for fastening together and adjusting the length of the strap 102 through relatively easy manipulations.

In some embodiments, a Step 208 may include passing a bar 116 through an opening 112 in a toggle closure 110. The bar 116 is oriented perpendicularly to the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110 while in the open position 132. The bar 116 passes through the opening 112 from a first direction. A Step 210 includes rotating the bar 116 to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening 112. Once the bar 116 passes completely through the opening 112, the bar 116 may be rotated with a perpendicular manipulation relative to the opening 112. The bar 116 rotates to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening 112 in the toggle closure 110.

In some embodiments, a Step 212 may include engaging the bar 116 against a periphery of the opening 112 for forming a locked position 134. The bar 116 may then be pulled in a second direction against the periphery of the opening 112, such that the bar 116 engages the opening 112, which serves as a barrier to disengagement. This forms the locked position 134. The locked position 134 is possible because the length of the bar 116 is greater than the diameter of the opening 112. The bar 116 remains in the locked position 134 and cannot disengage from the clasp closure until a rotational manipulation of the bar 116, perpendicular to the opening 112 enables the bar 116 to pass through the opening 112, and back into the open position 132. A final Step 214 includes joining an ornamental member 122 to a base 120. The toggle closure 110 or the bar 116 is configured to detachably receive an ornamental member 122. The ornamental member 122 attaches while the toggle closure 110 and bar 116 are joined in the locked position 132. The toggle bar 116 may include a base 120 configured to attach to the ornamental member 122. The base 120 may position anywhere on the bar 116. The ornamental member 122 may include, without limitation, stones, beads, crystals, flowers, metals, enamels, glass, plastic, and fabric.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

1. An apparatus for restraining at least a portion of hair and displaying an ornamental member, the apparatus comprising: an elastic strap comprising a first end and a second end, the strap configured to wrap around at least a portion of hair for restraining the hair; a toggle closure disposed to join with the first end, the toggle closure comprising an opening, the opening comprising a diameter, a bar disposed to join with the second end, the bar comprising a length, the bar configured to pass through the opening and rotate to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for forming a locked position, the locked position configured to fasten the first end to the second end for locking the strap wrapped around at least a portion of the hair, wherein the length of the bar is greater than the diameter of the opening, such that the bar is restricted from passing through the opening in the locked position; a base disposed to join with the toggle closure and/or the bar; and an ornamental member disposed to join with the base; wherein the first end and the second end are removable from the toggle closure and the bar respectively; wherein the first end is configured to pass through a first end strap opening and fold over a generally U-shaped toggle closure extension; wherein the U-shaped toggle closure extension has a width and height similar to a width and height of the strap and is capable of accepting the strap to adjustably fasten the strap to the toggle closure by attaching a front portion of the first end to a back portion of the first end with a first end fastening mechanism; wherein the front portion of the first end and the back portion of the first end are adjacent the U-shaped toggle closure extension and are separated by the toggle closure extension; wherein the front portion of the first end has passed through the first end strap opening; wherein the second end is configured to pass through a second end strap opening and fold over a generally U-shaped bar extension wherein the U-shaped bar extension has a width and height similar the width and height of the strap and is capable of the strap to adjustably fasten the strap to the bar by attaching a front portion of the second end to a back portion of the second end with a second end fastening mechanism; wherein the front portion of the second end and the back portion of the second end are adjacent the U-shaped bar extension; wherein the front portion of the second end and the back portion of the second end are separated by the bar extension; and wherein the front portion of the second end has passed through the second end strap opening.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises an elastic band.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap is configured to extend and retract along a longitudinal axis.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toggle closure comprises a toggle closure extension configured to join with the first end.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the toggle closure extension comprises a substantially U-shape.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bar comprises a bar extension configured to join with the second end.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bar extension comprises the substantially U-shape.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toggle closure and the bar are configured to be operable to join and separate.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a magnet.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a ornamental member is configured to attach to a magnetic base.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a clamp, the clamp disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis, the clamp configured to detachably join with the ornamental member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a hair claw, the hair claw disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap or hair, and detachably join with the ornamental member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a bobbi pin, the bobbi pin disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap or hair, and detachably join with the ornamental member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a ring, the ring disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap, and detachably join with the ornamental member.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. An apparatus for restraining at least a portion of hair and displaying an ornamental member, the apparatus comprising: an elastic strap comprising a first end and a second end, the strap configured to wrap around at least a portion of hair for restraining the hair; a toggle closure disposed to join with the first end, the toggle closure comprising an opening, the opening comprising a diameter, a bar disposed to join with the second end, the bar comprising a length, the bar configured to pass through the opening and rotate to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for forming a locked position, the locked position configured to fasten the first end to the second end for locking the strap wrapped around at least a portion of the hair, wherein the length of the bar is greater than the diameter of the opening, such that the bar is restricted from passing through the opening in the locked position; a base disposed to join with the toggle closure and/or the bar; and an ornamental member disposed to join with the base; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a clamp, the clamp disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap, the clamp configured to detachably join with the ornamental member, wherein the clamp is generally U-shaped having a first side and a second side and an open end with a gap between the first and second side; wherein said first side and said second side may be manually separated to allow for the strap to be inserted into the clamp between said first side and said second side; wherein the first side and second side of the clamp encase the strap when the strap is between the first and second side upon release of the manual separation of the first and second side; and wherein the clamp may slide to any position on the strap without the need for removal of the clamp from the strap.
 21. An apparatus for restraining at least a portion of hair and displaying an ornamental member, the apparatus comprising: an elastic strap comprising a first end and a second end, the strap configured to wrap around at least a portion of hair for restraining the hair; a toggle closure disposed to join with the first end, the toggle closure comprising an opening, the opening comprising a diameter, a bar disposed to join with the second end, the bar comprising a length, the bar configured to pass through the opening and rotate to extend generally in a plane perpendicular to the opening for forming a locked position, the locked position configured to fasten the first end to the second end for locking the strap wrapped around at least a portion of the hair, wherein the length of the bar is greater than the diameter of the opening, such that the bar is restricted from passing through the opening in the locked position; a base disposed to join with the toggle closure and/or the bar; and an ornamental member disposed to join with, the base; wherein the first end and the second end are removable from the toggle closure and the bar, respectively; wherein the first end is configured to pass through a first end strap opening and fold over a generally U-shaped toggle closure extension; wherein the U-shaped toggle closure extension has a width and height similar to a width and height of the strap and is capable of accepting the strap to adjustably fasten the strap to the toggle closure by attaching a front portion of the first end to a back portion of the first end with a first end fastening mechanism; wherein the front portion of the first end and the back portion of the first end are adjacent the U-shaped toggle closure extension and are separated by the toggle closure extension; wherein the front portion of the first end has passed through the first end strap opening; wherein the second end is configured to pass through a second end strap opening and fold over a generally U-shaped bar extension wherein the U-shaped bar extension has a width and height similar to the width and height of the strap and is capable of accepting the strap to adjustably fasten the strap to the bar by attaching a front portion of the second end to a back portion of the second end with a second end fastening mechanism; wherein the front portion of the second end and the back portion of the second end are adjacent the U-shaped bar extension; wherein the front portion of the second end and the back portion of the second end are separated by the bar extension; and wherein the front portion of the second end has passed through the second end strap opening; wherein the apparatus further comprises a clamp, the clamp disposed to attach along a longitudinal axis of the strap, the clamp configured to detachably join with the ornamental member; wherein the clamp is generally U-shaped having a first side and a second side and an open end with a gap between the first and second side; wherein said first side and said second side may be manually separated to allow for the strap to be inserted into the clamp between said first side and said second side; wherein the first side and second side of the clamp encase the strap when the strap is between the first and second side upon release of the manual separation of the first and second side; and wherein the clamp may slide to any position on the strap without the need for removal of the clamp from the strap; and wherein a magnet is attached to an outer surface of the first side of the clamp; wherein an ornamental member is configured to attach to said magnet. 